Way behind

I feel like I'm way behind with keeping up with my blog. I knew it was too good to be true that I could consistently update a couple times a week. In my defense, I've been feeling a little overwhelmed with life. Reef being in preschool 2 days a week plus ladies class and playgroup seems to be eating up all my time to get things done. On top of that, we've been busy cleaning in preparation for Oma and Opa's visit. They arrive tomorrow, and Reef is very excited. The countdown to our cruise is 6 days. I can't believe it's finally here!


As far as preschool goes, Reef is doing really well. He cried at the drop-off Thursday and Monday, but no tears this most recent Thursday. He also got to be the line leader on Thursday and received a special sticker for this. I think he's really enjoying it!


We've started the calendar and sticker method for ending our bedtime struggles, and it's helped a lot. When Reef goes to bed without Mom or Dad coming back to his room, he gets a sticker, and when he gets 7 stickers, we'll go out for ice cream. I thought tonight would be sticker 7, but Troy just had to go in there. Oh well, maybe tomorrow night.


Jonas has had a good couple of weeks too. I think he's a little confused when Reef goes to school and is always very excited to see him at pick up time. He's also been suffering from a sinus infection, but we're finally on some antibiotics and will hopefully be feeling better soon. The best news about Jonas is that he started sleeping 12 hours at night! Mommy is very excited about this new skill!

We've been spending a lot more time outside these days since the weather is cooler. Reef is obsessed with going outside now that it's not so hot. All I hear most of the time is, "Let's go outside now." Jonas prefers the outdoors too, though, and it's almost always an instant cure to the fussies.


Jonas in the swing. Reef would spend hours in the swing (and sometime still will if it's going high) but Jonas isn't as big of a fan.


Reef posing for the camera. Lately he's refused to smile for the camera but really got into it the other day, saying "Cheese!" and coming to look at the pics after they were taken. He's showing off his line leader sticker here.


In the wagon before preschool. It was sprinkling outside, but Reef still insisted on going outside before school. Luckily, the wagon was under the porch. They both thought Reef pinching Jonas' cheeks was hilarious!


My happy boy!


Our only walking picture so far. Not a great one, and it doesn't really capture his walk, which usually involves both hands waving in the air for balance.

Preschool

Reef started preschool on Monday at church. His first day went well, I think, with just a few tears during transition times. But his teacher would say, "Reef, we don't cry at preschool," and that calmed him right down. When I picked him, he was having a major meltdown because he didn't want to leave the playground.
This is the backpack we bought to go to school. He doesn't need it since he has his bucket but loves it anyway. Don't know what's going on with his face though!

Reef and his bucket waiting for the doors to open. He looks very "big man on campus" the way he's leaning against the wall.

When the doors opened, he was in a big hurry to get inside. He jumped right into playing with Ms. Kelly.


This is what Reef's ear looked like after we took the wrap off. We counted 15 or 16 stitches! He got them out on Tuesday and was a real trooper during that ordeal.


No pictures of Jonas this week, so I'll have to do better next week. He's really trying to walk and took lots of steps today. It was the first time he's initiated the walking on his own. I can't believe he's growing so fast!

My mummy

Well Reef had his ear surgery today. Lots of you have asked if it was tubes, but it was actually the removal of a little skin tag thingy in front of his right ear (the fancy name was "excision of right preauricular cyst). It runs in the family, and both Troy and his dad had one when they were born. Anyway, we were lucky enough to get bumped to the morning, which was great since he couldn't eat before. He threw a big fit when first got into pre-op but settled down when we turned a movie on. He absolutely refused to wear the hospital gown though!

The whole procedure took about an hour, which was longer than we expected. The doctor said it's because there are lots of stitches. Waking up from anesthesia was pretty rough, with lots of screaming and thrashing around but after he was fully awake, he did better. We spent the first part of the afternoon watching TV and eating Jell-o, but after nap time, he was ready to play again. Ms. Gean stayed with Jonas and brought Reef a little doll named Jack who was dressed in a hospital gown. Jack went into the OR with Reef. This afternoon, we made a bed of blocks for Jack, and Reef gave him medicine. He kept laying Jack in his lap and saying, "It's ok, Jack, it's ok." Such a caring boy!

Reef is pretty much back to his old self now, with the addition of a really cool mummy wrap on his head. We're hoping to keep it on through tomorrow but don't know if he'll make it that long! We get our stitches out on Tuesday, which should be an exciting appointment!

Reef wanted to work on his preschool homework this afternoon. I'm sure it's a sign of what a good student he'll be!

Just pictures

Not a lot to write about lately, so I'll just post some pics. Enjoy!

Reef and Jonas watching Dad mow the lawn. I think Reef is telling Jonas what's going on.

Naked swimming in the backyard


Leyna and Reef after swimming. Don't worry, we wear swimsuits when we have company!

Jonas lounging before church. He loves this chair!

Swinging. He says, "Want a big one!"

He's so close to walking! 2 steps yesterday but nothing consistent.

Jonas also enjoys checking his email.

In the wagon.